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Summary: She can't marry him . . but she can't let him go either.
Review: Olivia Fairfax has lots of money and she gets a great deal of satisfaction from managing an orphanage. She won't give up her freedom in exchange for a tyrannical husband. She has everything she needs. . . doesn't she?George, Lord Rival, has inherited a rundown estate, and the only way he can save it--and the tenants who depend on him--is to marry a wealthy heiress. Unfortunately, his reputation as a heartless rake has chased away even the most desperate social climbing cits. As much as he loathes himself for doing it, he sets out to win a wealthy wife. . . by hook or by crook. Olivia's name is the first on his list, and from the outset, George's carefully contrived plan to win her goes awry. But for some reason, he finds himself gravitating around her like a bee to a flower. She seems adamant against marrying him, but he can't give up and go on to the next heiress on the list. She's beautiful, intelligent, efficient, charming, passionate. . . being married to her would be a pleasure in itself. The money would be icing on the cake. Olivia knows she should not trust him. Others warn her that it is dangerous to keep him around. But she finds herself looking forward to seeing him, dressing to please him, even exploring the edges of passion with him. But she cannot marry him. She prizes her independence too much. She should let him go, but the pain of imagining his marriage to another heiress makes her reluctant to part with him. How can she marry him? How can she NOT marry him? What would it be like to share her life with this man, to bear his children--her children too? And then, just when things look promising for this unlikely couple, the bottom falls out of their world and threatens their happiness. Diane Farr has taken a familiar theme and given it a fresh, new aprroach. There are fortune hunters. . . and there are fortune hunters. This one is special. Run--do not walk--to the store to purchase this book. You won't be sorry.
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Summary: The Fortune Hunter shines with wits and heart
Review: Regency aficionados should consider Diane Farr's latest outing their fortune for its refreshing vibrancy. With much spunk and panache, the romance between fiercely independent spinster Lady Olivia Fairfax and the irresistible George Carstairs, Lord Rival shimmers with chemistry through witty repartees and vivid characterization. No less credible is the unpredictible plot that sees the impoverished Lord Rival scheming to catch his golden goose through marriage only to fall hopelessly in love. The plot reveals dimensions to Lord Rival's character where you see the scum metamorphosize into a knight in shining armour to rescue his inherited crumbling estate. Lady Fairfax is adamant in remaining single after surviving love's disappointment. Their hesitations and monetary barriers makes their romance even more precarious. She connects a sub-plot of spousal abuse to shade light on Lady Olivia's compassion and resilience as well as Lord Rival as the unlikely rescuer. Diane Farr proves herself an ingenious talent in crafting strong plots and characters. This delightful outing with its scintillating pace shines with wits and heart.
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Summary: A reader's great fortune!
Review: Some people only want to get where they're going--in a BIG hurry--so they'll even jump on the interstate for just a few blocks. They could care less what scenery there may be or what they might be missing in the process. It's "hurry up, already. Let's get there!" Others prefer to meander along, taking their time, savoring the view from here or there, and yes--smelling the roses. Either method is perfectly valid, depending on a lot of variables. But -- The Fortune Hunter is not for people in a hurry. No way. It needs--deserves--to be read slowly, and savored, word by word. Scene by scene. If you gallop through this book, you'll miss 90% of the lovely humorous bantering between George, Baron Rival and Olivia, Lady Fairfax. And what a shame that would be. These two use words, even in the most casual of circumstances, in ways that would put any other two fictional lovers totally to shame. Delicious is the only word to describe this wordplay. So what if there is no explicit love scene? Excuse me? This book is nothing if not nearly one long continuous love scene! Who needs explicit, when there is the most erotic yet innocent seduction imaginable in chapter twelve? The pages themselves produce steam as George removes one of Olivia's gloves. Only a glove! And then there is chapter twenty-one. Oh, my stars and garters! This is writing of the very highest quality, perfectly matched by two delightful, fully developed characters in a plot full of twists and turns. In short, this is a masterpiece. Poor Lord Rival (in more ways than one!) must marry an heiress if he is to restore his ancestral holdings. In order to accomplish this, he has carefully made up a list of the most eligible women who matched that description. The elusive, enigmatic Lady Olivia Fairfax was at the very top of the list. Only problem was, he'd never seen the lady, and neither had anyone else he knew. But then, he discovered someone who had seen her. After many weekly bouts of cribbage with this elderly gentleman, before Rival even had a chance to propose a possible meeting, the man died, leaving Rival back at square one. But maybe not, as Rival is called in for the reading of the will. And of course, so is Olivia. Sparks fly in all directions, and the chase is on! During most of history, once a man and woman married (each other) he owned her, and she was his to do with as he wished, up to and including spending her entire fortune any way he wished, or even beating her so severely she could easily die from the injuries. Of course, she could not have the same freedoms, oh, no. It's no wonder that independent, wealthy Olivia chose not to marry, considering the men with whom she was the most familiar--her father and half-brother--were this brutal sort. As if to demonstrate this unhappy side of marriage even more clearly, the author uses Olivia's half-brother's brutalities against his wife, Edith, to back-up Olivia's decision to remain unwed. It's a perfectly brilliant metaphor. But all that was before Lord Rival came on the scene. Sometimes, others know us better than we know ourselves. When that happens, it's just so much easier to capitulate and let someone else make the decisions. Especially when those decisions are the ones we most wish we could make. Since many of the other reviews have gone into great detail about the plot, another such is not really necessary. Just read this book slowly, and give it the time it needs to breathe. Like the very best of fine wine, it sparkles and bubbles with great vivacity. Sip slowly and enjoy!
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Summary: Surprising and Delightful
Review: There have been dozens upon dozens of Regency romances that center around the plot of Handsome-and-Corrupted-Rake-with-Unrealized-Heart-of-Gold-Attempts-to-Seduce-Innocent-and-Virtuous-Young-Lady-in-Order-to-Win a Bet/Gain a Fortune/Get Back at Someone-Only-to-be-Seduced-Himself. The Fortune Hunter, of course, uses this very plot, but manages to be fresh and funny and endearing despite the familiarity of the story. I believe this is mostly because of the characters. Lord Rival (with the improbable first name of George) is calculating, manipulative, and can't cross a street without plotting a way to reap some advantage from it; but this is balanced by an innate sense of fair play and an outrageous sense of humor. Olivia, as well, is a very well-drawn and likable character. However, the best part of this book is the plot, which veers off from the normal tread of its predecessors very quickly. I don't want to give any of it away, but I will say that almost all of the plot twists in the book I didn't see coming at all, and they were all written wonderfully to create the most drama and emotional impact for every situation. The only thing I didn't like about this book (there always has to be something!) was George's conversion from rakehell to "hero." I think if the author would have given us more insight into his character, it would have been a much smoother transition. For example, I know that suddenly George decided he needed to start rebuild his home, but WHY did he suddenly decide this? His character was a little too ambivilent to leave to question, I think. Besides that minor detail, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were likable, believable, and intriguing; the story was fun and interesting; the writing was superb; and it had love and romance. In essence, my definition of a perfect book! I would recomment THE FORTUNE HUNTER to anyone who loves regencies.
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Summary: VERY entertaining!
Review: This is a most amusing regency, full of repartee and very loveable leading characters. Just what a light Regency should be to lift one from the mundane, modern rat race. It is my favorite of all Diane Farr's books thus far.
Lord Rival is a well rounded human character -- flawed, but all the more likeable for that fact. The heroine Lady Olivia is just a bit more modern than I think would be accurate for the time, but who cares! Farr's witty prose compensates for any flaws anywhere in this book.
In conclusion, I highly recommend you procure this book for an entertaining, mostly light-hearted great read. You can read the other reviews and the book excerpts for more on the fun storyline.
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Summary: A Charming Old-Fashioned Love Story
Review: This is the best romance I have read in years. It's beautifully written, the characterization is excellent, the plot is unimpeded with contrived devices but it's still intriguing, the conversation is sharply witty and amusing, and it reminded me of Georgette Heyer at her best and even, at times, Mary Stewart. There are no surprises or plot twists, really, but the inevitable outcome doesn't detract from the charm and compelling nature of the book. (By the way, for those of you who want explicit love scenes, there aren't any in this book, so be warned; I personally prefer books without them.) I'm keeping this one to read when I need some cheering; it's a "feel good" book and leaves you smiling, but it isn't without some pathos, as well. Do yourself a favor and curl up with this one on a quiet evening -- you'll love it.
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Summary: DITTO! a "perfect" book
Review: This is the book that first turned me on to Diane Farr and I'm so glad I found it. I agree with the reviewers below who called it perfect. It's my favorite romance EVER and Lord Rival, the hero, is to die for. I could go on and on but it might spoil the book for you and that would be a shame. BUY THIS BOOK, you won't be sorry. Lord Rival is introduced in an earlier, smaller book called Falling for Chloe but you don't have to read it first. Also he makes a cameo appearence in Duel of Hearts but altho Duel of Hearts came out *after* The Fortune Hunter, it takes place several years before, so don't it throw you if the delicious Lord Rival seems a bit .. uh .. .plastered and out of control. LOL.
Rating:
Summary: pleasant Regency romance
Review: Though he knows he is not the cause of Rye Vale's ruin, George Carstairs realizes he is as responsible as the Baron and understands that an infusion of a large sum of money is needed to save the estate. Since he has none, George tried to find a wealthy social climber to marry, but his reputation as a rake left him with only rejections as he has squandered his only asset, his title.
When a desperate George first meets Olivia Fairfax, he thinks she is a maid. When he learns that she is a rich heiress running a school for orphans, he decides she is perfect though she rejects any notion of marriage. As he courts her with his wit and surprisingly shows how much he cares for her charges, they fall in love. However, what will happen when he learns she has no fortune.
THE FORTUNE HUNTER is a pleasant Regency romance that fans will delight in due to the charming antics of the lead couple though the basic premise is a fixture of the sub-genre. The story line is fun to read as the rake and the do-gooder exchange witty barbs even as they fall in love. Along with the strong cast, the vivid descriptions of the period blended into the plot show the strength of Diane Farr to provide her audience with a delightful novel. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: I'd give it 4 & 1/2 stars if I could
Review: Witty & warm & thoroughly enjoyable, this novel has wonderful lead characters who sparkle with life and wit. Their playful banter is superb. George is truly a rake with a heart of gold (eventually, anyway), and Olivia is a confirmed spinster who dreams of something more. When George meets Olivia, he never dreams that his dire need for a fortune could turn into a dire need for this woman's love. Indeed, this romance is one of the best out there. Their motives and reservations are very clearly explained to the reader. The only problems I have are:
1. Why didn't George try to restore Rye Vale earlier? He's had the title for over a decade! That's never really explained.
2. While I have no problems with the lack of a love scene per se (I've read plenty of books without them that I've thoroughly enjoyed, usally more than those that are overly explicit), the allusions are too vague. George & Olivia apparently wait until after the wedding to consummate their relationship, but there is some hanky-panky. The reader, however, can be easily confused as to what exactly that hanky-panky entails because of the way it's written (they're in bed, but nothing happens?). I think I'd have preferred nothing. Something, though, is necessary to heighten the emotional impact of the next group of scenes; I just wish Farr had written it more clearly. Other than those two things, the book was wonderful. I'd have given it 5 stars (and was planning to for much of the book) until those 2 things bugged me. Nevertheless, it's a definite TO READ book.
Rating:
Summary: I'd give it 4 & 1/2 stars if I could
Review: Witty & warm & thoroughly enjoyable, this novel has wonderful lead characters who sparkle with life and wit. Their playful banter is superb. George is truly a rake with a heart of gold (eventually, anyway), and Olivia is a confirmed spinster who dreams of something more. When George meets Olivia, he never dreams that his dire need for a fortune could turn into a dire need for this woman's love. Indeed, this romance is one of the best out there. Their motives and reservations are very clearly explained to the reader. The only problems I have are:
1. Why didn't George try to restore Rye Vale earlier? He's had the title for over a decade! That's never really explained.
2. While I have no problems with the lack of a love scene per se (I've read plenty of books without them that I've thoroughly enjoyed, usally more than those that are overly explicit), the allusions are too vague. George & Olivia apparently wait until after the wedding to consummate their relationship, but there is some hanky-panky. The reader, however, can be easily confused as to what exactly that hanky-panky entails because of the way it's written (they're in bed, but nothing happens?). I think I'd have preferred nothing. Something, though, is necessary to heighten the emotional impact of the next group of scenes; I just wish Farr had written it more clearly. Other than those two things, the book was wonderful. I'd have given it 5 stars (and was planning to for much of the book) until those 2 things bugged me. Nevertheless, it's a definite TO READ book.
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